Capitals Outgunned: Game 1 OT Loss to Hurricanes Highlights Pressure Ahead

In Game 1 of their second-round Stanley Cup Playoff series, the Washington Capitals were dealt a tough 2-1 overtime loss at home against the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite taking a lead early in the second period with Aliaksei Protas’ first career playoff goal and a stellar 31-save effort from goaltender Logan Thompson, Washington was overwhelmed by Carolina’s relentless attack. The Hurricanes dominated the possession battle, registering 91 shot attempts to the Capitals’ 33 and consistently hemming them in their own zone. Carolina eventually broke through late in the third with a tying goal off a Washington turnover, and Jaccob Slavin sealed the win with a screened shot from the blue line in overtime. The Capitals showed moments of resilience, particularly with a key penalty kill late in regulation, but the lack of offensive pressure and inability to sustain zone time was glaring. Top scorers like Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson were largely neutralized, and Washington finished the night with just 13 shots on goal — a number far too low for playoff success. Heading into Game 2, the Capitals need to find answers to Carolina’s suffocating forecheck, clean up their breakouts, and generate more consistent offensive chances if they want to even the series at home. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to Indeed.com/LOCKEDON right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Wonderful Pistachios Get snackin' and get crackin' with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k Did you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required. Upwork Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free. With Upwork, you can find specialized freelancers in marketing, development, design, and more—experts ready to help you take your business to the next level. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.